Persistent horizontal lines appear on iMac screen

According to the Apple support team I contacted, it's an LCD malfunction and the only solution is to replace it.

What they didn't say was why this problem is occurring after two years of using the iMac on so many computers.

So, as Apple hasn't yet assumed that it's their fault, what I did, given the lack of concrete answers from Apple, was to take my iMac to a technician and ask him to assess the problem to see if it's a construction problem or just a random fault.

The explanation I was given was as follows:

In terms of circuitry, everything seems to be working properly.

The problem, apparently, lies in a cable that also powers the LCD, which is located on one of the tops of the screen, and which, in order to be replaced, requires detaching the screen glass from the LCD itself, which is a very sensitive operation and almost impossible to carry out without damaging the LCD.

So the only option is to replace the entire LCD (LCD+main boards+screen glass).

Also, according to the technician's explanation, this cable (of the FFC/FPC type or Flat Flexible Cable / Flexible Printed Circuit), it has to sustain a very high voltage (around 50V) to power the LCD (this despite the iMac's power supply being 15.9V), and it heats up a lot!

So, what happens after a while (in this case after about 2 years) is that it starts to burn out and degrade at the connector, to the point where it lets the signals leak between the various connectors and short-circuits some of them, which ends up causing those lines that we are all unfortunately familiar with.

The level of brightness makes a fundamental contribution to this problem. Thus, the higher the brightness used, the sooner the problem occurs.

This is easily understood by measuring the difference in temperature at the top of the screen when it is at its lowest brightness level, compared to when it is at its highest. It's quite a big difference!

When it's at its lowest brightness, it's practically room temperature; when it's at its highest, you can almost "fry an egg"!

I think that as soon as Apple recognizes that there is a problem with these computers, the first thing it will do is make a change to the OS that reduces the maximum brightness limit allowed (to less than 500 nits). Time will tell...

Why does this happen?

For at least one of three reasons:

1- a design flaw - so this problem is likely to occur in a large number of devices;

2- a defect in components - the problem is limited to a few cases;

3- use of components below Apple's standards - the problem may be limited, or more widespread.

This was the explanation I was given. I'm not a technician. Only Apple will know the exact reason(s).

If I had to guess, I'd say that I don't believe it's a design fault, because Apple has an obligation to be very careful about that; I also don't think it's a fault with the component(s) because it seems to be happening all over the planet and doesn't seem to be localized; so I think it's due to the use of component(s) below, or at the limit of, Apple's standards which, when put under extreme stress (higher brightness), end up failing.

I think it's already clear to everyone that this is a design or manufacturing defect in this Apple model.

So let's hope that Apple takes on this construction problem and repairs it or at least contributes part of the cost of the (overly expensive) repair of our computers.

If it were a car, surely all our computers would be called into the workshop to replace the component that has broken down or is in the process of breaking down.

As it's a computer... let's hope that Apple will behave in a way that suits its customers, who believe in the above-average Apple standard...

So keep presenting your cases to Apple.

I am having the same problem. I've had this iMac less than two years. These lines appeared a couple weeks ago and have shifted a bit but haven't disappeared. From what I'm seeing online, we are not the only ones experiencing this. This is not right. Apple should be held accountable for this issue.

I have this problem also, the lines flicker with mine. It occured while I kept my computer stationary without moving it at all. It's clearly a defect with the display because it happens without a cause. Apple should offer a free fix to people who have these lines regardless of warranty status. I can't pay the 700$ currently and it's ruining my computing experience.

The exact same issue is happening to my iMac 2021. I purchased it new in December 2021 in Denpasar, Indonesia, and it has worked perfectly for 2 years. I have taken the utmost care of it - no damage at all.

Suddenly, the bottom half of the screen filled with horizontal black lines. This happened about a week ago, and they went away. It happened again once more, before disappearing. Now they are back and not disappearing after shutting down and turning on again.

I can't believe that it is a coincidence that it is happening to so many people almost exactly 2 years after purchase.

Apple, we need you to investigate this, and to deal with this fairly.

There are only going to be more and more people with this problem.

Hey everyone! I have a great news.

Thanks to all of you and the thread creator for the evidence, and thanks to Apple for the integrity and standing behind their products.

I was able to get authorization for my case for repair as they are willing to honor it for repair beyond the warranty.

I am now able to go to the store and have it fixed without cost. Will confirm once it's done but I got verified by customer service that I can take it in.

.

Exact same issue popped up on my 2021 M1 24" iMac this week. Purchased it back in April 2022, so a little under 2 years. I have it connected to a secondary monitor, which works fine. Only the main iMac display's showing this issue. Have also tried resetting the iMac which didn't work.

Have an appointment scheduled at the Genius Bar in Singapore tomorrow, which I plan to cancel. There's no point bringing my device there only to be told to pay upwards of $800 to get a screen replacement done when I can get a Mac mini for the same price. Everyone in my family is on the apple ecosystem, including MacBooks and Mac minis because because we trust in the quality of Apple products so this happening is just shocking.

This must be a software issue, all these reports seem to have suddenly happened in a short period of time with machines the same age.. this is my wife’s iMac and it started while she was using it.. just suddenly popped up like it. Turned it off for 24 hours but still the same.

Just stumbled upon this thread. It happened to me today.

I can’t believe the similarities too - approx 2 years of use, abrupt development of vertical lines, scorching heat on top corner of the screen.

I called Apple support and asked if this was a common occurrence, and was told that they have gotten calls about it.

I think it would raise awareness around the issue if we called to report en masse.

800 186 1087 (toll-free, if anyone needs it).

Please let Apple know that this is a major issue:

We all have to make a feedback form with this link:

Feedback - iMac - Apple

I’ve been having the very same problem for a very well maintained 24” iMac M1 purchased in July 2021. This is very clearly a manufacturing defect. There’s no reason for a lot of people to have this issue pop out of nowhere exactly 2 years later. How do we go about claiming manufacturing defect? Any advice would be valuable. Ain’t no way am I going to pay 600+ dollars for a defect that took only 2 years to pop up.

TOO HOT TOO HANDLE

it’s not just happening to me too.

I bought mine in November 2021 and the same thing started happening April 2023.

I immediately made an appointment with the local local Apple service center here in the Philippines and left it with them for almost a week. They told me the same thing to have the display replaced at around US$800 with no guarantee that it would solve the problem. I did not have it replaced because of this.

I wasn’t aware that this thread regarding the display problem was already in the Apple community. Besides all of the symptoms that I’ve read in this thread, has anyone been in been experiencing heat coming from any part of the iMac body? Mine is at the upper right hand corner of my unit. In the beginning, I did start using an external display to be able to use the iMac, however, while I was cleaning the screen of my iMac, I noticed that that top right part was getting discolored and when I touched it, it was really too hot to touch, that it almost burned my finger.

So since this time in about May 2023, my iMac has been a fixture in the house and I haven’t been able to use it since then. Really hoping to see where how this will be handled, this is the first time any of my Apple devices stopped or couldn’t be used in just two years of use.🙏🏽

I've got the same issue too, purchased my iMac in August 2021. The lines started appearing November last year, about 2 years after the purchase.

Brought my iMac to the apple store and yes they offered a screen replacement which cost about SGD$900+

decided to not go with it as the lines are only at the bottom of the screen, hoping it wouldn't spread even further.

As you can see from the pictures attached, the black horizontal lines started off very faint and fine, it got darker the very next day, then about a month later it spiked suddenly. The lines would often flicker on and off too.

I've read multiple forums and threads on why is this happening and it seems like the only solution is to get an external display (which I did and it was fine on the external display). It also seems that most people are experiencing it 2 years after getting their iMac, coincidence or no?

This situation has really made me loose trust in Apple's product.

Please investigate this.

In case Apple Requires proof of my case you can look up Case number 10********92. They can look this up from their back end and get clarity.

This should be very clearly proven so we can ALL get this resolved forever! :)

@allrigthty

[Edited by Moderator]

Friends, I was able to communicate with the senior support and they gave me free repair beyond warantee!

Here are the steps to use to do the same.

1. Submit the evidence and pictures on here Persistent horizontal lines appear on iMa… - Apple Community

2. Contact Mac and file a case using the steps below to speak with politeness and professionalism.

* Immediately ask for a manager and senior rep.

. Share the evidence that this is a well documented break down on Apple's manufacturing and state how long you have been a customer.

. Submit request for investigation. Then wait patiently.

Here are some perspectives you can take when negotiating with Apple

1. Known Issue:

1. Gather Evidence: Search online forums and news articles documenting similar screen issues with the 2021 M1 iMac 24". Highlight the number of affected users (hundreds) to demonstrate the widespread nature of the problem.
2. Present Calmly: State that you've discovered numerous reports of similar screen failures on M1 iMacs beyond warranty, suggesting a potential design or manufacturing flaw.

2. Reasonable Request:

1. Focus on a Solution: Don't just express frustration. Acknowledge their standard warranty policy but politely request a one-time exception due to the documented issue.
2. Be Open to Options: Express your willingness to consider a repair at a discounted rate or a partial store credit towards a newer model, depending on what they offer.

3. Emphasize Loyalty:

1. Positive Past Experiences: Briefly mention your history of using Apple products and your overall satisfaction (if applicable).
2. Future Customer: Express your hope to continue using Apple products but highlight that a fair resolution would solidify your trust in the brand.

Additional Tips:

1. Be Polite and Professional: Maintain a calm and respectful tone throughout the conversation.
2. Be Persistent: If your initial request is denied, politely ask to speak with a supervisor or manager and reiterate your points.
3. Document Everything: Keep copies of emails, chat transcripts, or call recordings if possible.

Here's an example script you can adapt:

"Hi, I'm contacting you about my 2021 M1 iMac 24" that recently developed lines on the screen. Unfortunately, it's beyond the warranty period.

While researching the issue, I came across numerous online reports of similar screen failures with this specific model. This suggests a potential widespread problem.

I understand your warranty policy, but I would greatly appreciate it if you could consider a one-time exception due to the documented issue. I'm a loyal Apple customer and would be happy to discuss options like a discounted repair or store credit towards a newer model.

Thank you for your time and consideration."

Remember, negotiation is a conversation. Be prepared to listen to their response and be flexible within reason.

By presenting your case with evidence, a reasonable request, and a positive tone, you increase your chances of a favorable outcome.